Skip to Content
800-533-8762
  • Careers
  • Newsroom
  • Health Care Professionals
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
UPMC
  • Find a Doctor
  • Services
    • Frequently Searched Services
    • Frequently Searched Services
      Allergy & Immunology Behavioral & Mental Health Cancer Ear, Nose & Throat Endocrinology Gastroenterology Heart & Vascular Imaging Neurosciences Orthopaedics
      Physical Rehabilitation Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Primary Care Senior Services Sports Medicine Telemedicine Transplant Surgery Walk-In Care Weight Management Women’s Health
      See all Services
    • Services by Region
    • Find a UPMC health care facility close to you quickly by browsing by region.
      UPMC in Western Pa. Western Pa. and New York
      UPMC in Central Pa. Central Pa.
      UPMC in North Central Pa. North Central Pa.
      UPMC in Western Md. Maryland & West Virginia
    • See All Services
  • Locations
    • Locations by Type
    • Locations by Type
      UPMC hospitals
      Hospitals
      Physical Therapy
      Physical Therapy
      Urgent care
      Walk-In Care
      UPMC Outpatient Centers
      Outpatient Centers
      UPMC Imaging Services
      Imaging
      Community Health Centers
      Community Health Centers
      See All Locations
    • Locations by Region
    • Locations by Region
      UPMC in Southwest Pa. Southwest Pa.
      UPMC in North Central Pa. North Central Pa.
      UPMC in Northwest Pa and Ny. Northwest Pa. & Western N.Y.
      UPMC in West Central Pa. West Central Pa.
      UPMC in Central Pa. Central Pa.
      UPMC in Western Md. Maryland & West Virginia
    • See All Locations
  • Patients & Visitors
    • Patient & Visitor Resources
    • Patient & Visitor Resources
      Patients and Visitors Resources Pay a Bill Classes & Events Medical Records Health Library Patient Information
      Patient Portals Privacy Information Shared Decision Making Traveling Patients Visitor Information
      Man uses mobile phone
      Pay a Bill
      Nurse reviews medical chart
      Request Medical Records
  • Patient Portals
  • Find Covid-19 updates
  • Schedule an appointment
  • Request medical records
  • Pay a bill
  • Learn about financial assistance
  • Find classes & events
  • Send a patient an eCard
  • Make a donation
  • Volunteer
  • Read HealthBeat blog
  • Explore UPMC Careers
Skip to Content
UPMC
  • Patient Portals
  • For Patients & Visitors
    • Find a Doctor
    • Locations
    • Patient & Visitor Resources
    • Pay a Bill
    • Services
    • More
      • Medical Records
      • Financial Assistance
      • Classes & Events
      • HealthBeat Blog
      • Health Library
  • About UPMC
    • Why UPMC
    • Facts & Stats
    • Supply Chain Management
    • Community Commitment
    • More
      • Financials
      • Support UPMC
      • UPMC Apps
      • UPMC Enterprises
      • UPMC International
  • For Health Care Professionals
    • Physician Information
    • Resources
    • Education & Training
    • Departments
    • Credentialing
  • Careers
  • Contact Us
  • Newsroom
  • UPMC >
  • Our Services >
  • Central Pa. >
  • ... >
  • Breast Cancer Center >
  • Breast Care Patient Resources >
  • Breast Cancer Survivorship >
  • Survivorship After Breast Cancer Treatment
Breast Cancer Center
Breast Cancer Treatments
Why Choose UPMC for Breast Care in Central Pa.?
Breast Cancer Clinical Trials & Resources
Contact Us
Diagnosing Breast Cancer
Our Locations
Breast Care Patient Resources
What Does it Mean to Have Breast Cancer?
Understanding Your Pathology Report
Breast Cancer Support Services
Breast Cancer Survivorship
Survivorship After Breast Cancer Treatment
Breast Cancer Survivorship Care Plan
Financial Concerns During Breast Cancer Treatment
Transitioning Out of Breast Cancer Treatment
Your Life After Breast Cancer Treatment
Pregnancy & Fertility Concerns after Breast Cancer Treatment
Local or Regional Breast Cancer Recurrence
Breast Cancer Surveillance & Follow up Guideline
Returning To Work after Breast Cancer Treatment
Preparing for Your First Visit
Breast Cancer Screening & Prevention
Breast Cancer Center
Breast Cancer Treatments
Why Choose UPMC for Breast Care in Central Pa.?
Breast Cancer Clinical Trials & Resources
Contact Us
Diagnosing Breast Cancer
Our Locations
Breast Care Patient Resources
What Does it Mean to Have Breast Cancer?
Understanding Your Pathology Report
Breast Cancer Support Services
Breast Cancer Survivorship
Survivorship After Breast Cancer Treatment
Breast Cancer Survivorship Care Plan
Financial Concerns During Breast Cancer Treatment
Transitioning Out of Breast Cancer Treatment
Your Life After Breast Cancer Treatment
Pregnancy & Fertility Concerns after Breast Cancer Treatment
Local or Regional Breast Cancer Recurrence
Breast Cancer Surveillance & Follow up Guideline
Returning To Work after Breast Cancer Treatment
Preparing for Your First Visit
Breast Cancer Screening & Prevention

Survivorship After Breast Cancer Treatment at UPMC in Central Pa.

This Survivorship section focuses on what you can expect after treatment has ended. You will learn about the challenges you may experience as a result of your cancer and cancer treatment. When possible, we have provided tips to help you manage these issues.

If you have a concern that is not mentioned here, please share it with your UPMC Breast Care Center team. We will work with you to find a solution.

Follow-Up Care

You will continue to see your doctor for follow-up care after you've completed your breast cancer treatment. Your doctor will monitor your recovery, conduct a physical exam and order medical tests as needed.

Your doctor will also:

  • Help you manage any remaining side effects
  • Check to make sure your cancer hasn’t returned

Follow-up appointments are an important part of survivorship. They help you maintain your physical and emotional health. They are also great opportunities to discuss any concerns you have about your care plan or your future health.

Managing Side Effects

Unfortunately, not all side effects end on the day that you complete treatment. Some side effects will continue for weeks or months afterward. And with certain treatments, side effects may not even appear until months or years later.

Your UPMC Breast Care Center team will help prepare you for these side effects so that you're ready should they occur.

Common side effects that you may experience after breast cancer treatment include:

Bone, Joint and Soft Tissue Problems

Chemotherapy, steroids or hormonal therapy can put you at risk of developing thin or weak bones. This is called osteoporosis. You could also develop joint pain.

Tip: Reduce your risk of osteoporosis by:

  • Avoiding tobacco products
  • Eating foods that are rich in calcium and Vitamin D
  • Exercising regularly
  • Emotional Difficulties

Talking with your doctor about medications that slow the rate of bone thinning, reduce new bone damage or promote bone healing.

Chemo Brain

Chemo brain is a term used by cancer survivors to describe difficulty thinking clearly after cancer treatment. Problems can include difficulty concentrating, multitasking, understanding or remembering things.

Tip: Speak with your doctor or a member of your health care team about:

  • Medication options
  • Cognitive rehabilitation and training

Digestion Problems

Digestion problems can be caused by chemotherapy, radiation and cancer surgery. Some people may develop scarring, chronic pain and intestine problems. Others may develop chronic diarrhea.

Tip: Speak with a nutritionist or dietitian about your problem. They can help make sure you get enough nutrients and achieve a healthy weight.

Endocrine (Hormonal) Problems

Cancer treatment can cause problems with fertility. These problems can vary. Some women have irregular periods or stop having their period. Other women have early onset menopause.

Tip: If you plan to have children after cancer treatment, speak with your doctor. There are ways to preserve your fertility if your doctor knows in advance. You may also benefit from seeing a reproductive specialist.

Emotional Difficulties

Breast cancer and treatment can place you on an emotional roller coaster. These feelings can persist after your treatment ends. Cancer survivors report feeling a range of emotions including relief, gratitude, fear, anger, guilt and isolation. Some survivors, caregivers, family and friends also report post-traumatic stress disorder.

Tip: Speak with a member of your health care team if you are:

  • Having trouble dealing with your emotions
  • Experiencing difficulty with relationships or daily routines because of your emotions

Fatigue

A feeling of physical, emotional or mental exhaustion is common among cancer survivors. Fatigue can last for months or years after treatment.

Tip: Speak with your health care team if you're experiencing fatigue. They can help. A cancer rehabilitation program may be appropriate for you to gain back your strength after treatment.

Heart Problems

Radiation therapy to the chest, or certain chemotherapies can cause heart problems. These include swelling of the heart muscle, problems with pumping blood or heart disease.

Tip: Talk with your doctor to see if you need to be followed for heart problems.

Lung Problems

Cancer survivors who have had chemotherapy or radiation therapy to the chest may experience lung damage, changes in the way their lungs work, thickening of the lining of the lung, inflammation and difficulty breathing.

Tip: Speak with your doctor to see if you should be followed for lung problems. This is particularly important for people who have a history of lung disease and older adults.

Lymphedema

Lymphedema occurs when there is a build-up of lymph fluid in a part of the body and is a common side effect of breast cancer treatment. These build-ups can cause swelling and other problems in the affected area.

Tip: Specialists at the Lymphedema Program at UPMC in Central Pa. can teach you about the risk factors for lymphedema. They can also help you learn how to prevent and manage lymphedema should it occur.

Peripheral Neuropathy

Radiation, chemotherapy or breast cancer itself can cause a condition called peripheral neuropathy. This is a type of nerve damage that can cause numbness, tingling, pain, muscle weakness, constipation or dizziness.

Tip: Many people do recover from neuropathy over time. Speak with your doctor about the treatment options that are available for you.

Secondary Cancers

In rare cases, chemotherapy or radiation therapy can cause a different type of cancer. They can also cause either myelodysplasia or acute leukemia - two types of blood cancers.

Tip: Speak with your doctor about your risk of developing a secondary cancer.

Need more information?

Phone: 717-545-5000

Request Information

Locations

PinnacleHealth Breast Care Center
Located at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at the Rocco and Nancy Ortenzio Cancer Pavilion
2035 Technology Parkway
Suite 200
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050

Phone: 717-988-1450
Fax: 717-221-5544

PinnacleHealth Breast Care Center
Located at Medical Sciences Pavilion
4300 Londonderry Road
Suite 202
Harrisburg, PA 17109

Phone: 717-545-5000
Fax: 717-545-5002

Connect with the UPMC Central PA Portal app 24/7

Login or Sign Up for UPMC Central PA Portal

The UPMC Central PA Portal provides patients with convenient and secure access to their health information right at their fingertips. View test results. Get virtual care. Message your care team. Schedule and manage appointments. And much more.

Log-In or Sign Up Today

Contact UPMC

Contact UPMC

When it comes to health care for you and your family, UPMC is here. It's easy to find the right doctor, health screenings, programs, classes, and more.

Contact UPMC in central Pa.
UPMC
200 Lothrop Street Pittsburgh, PA 15213

412-647-8762 800-533-8762

Patients And Visitors
  • Find a Doctor
  • Locations
  • Pay a Bill
  • Patient & Visitor Resources
  • Disabilities Resource Center
  • Services
  • Medical Records
  • No Surprises Act
  • Price Transparency
  • Financial Assistance
  • Classes & Events
  • Health Library
Health Care Professionals
  • Physician Information
  • Resources
  • Education & Training
  • Departments
  • Credentialing
Newsroom
  • Newsroom Home
  • Inside Life Changing Medicine Blog
  • News Releases
About
  • Why UPMC
  • Facts & Stats
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Community Commitment
  • Financials
  • Supporting UPMC
  • HealthBeat Blog
  • UPMC Apps
  • UPMC Enterprises
  • UPMC Health Plan
  • UPMC International
  • Nondiscrimination Policy
Life changing is...
Follow UPMC in Central Pa.
Follow UPMC
  • Contact Us
  • Website/Email Terms of Use
  • Medical Advice Disclaimer
  • Privacy Information
  • Active Privacy Alerts
  • Sitemap
© 2025 UPMC I Affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences Supplemental content provided by Healthwise, Incorporated. To learn more, visit healthwise.org
Find Care
Providers
Video Visit
Portal Login

Chat Keywords List

  • cancel or exit: Stops your conversation
  • start over: Restarts your current scenario
  • help: Shows what this bot can do
  • terms: Shows terms of use and privacy statement
  • feedback: Give us feedback
Continue
Chat with UPMC
RESTART
MENU
CLOSE